This is the third annual report on emerging trends in science and technology (S&T) published by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA R&T). As in prior years, the report has two primary objectives. First, it is intended to inform leaders across the U.S. Army and stakeholders in the joint, interagency, and international community about S&T trends that are likely to influence the future operating environment and shape warfighting capabilities over the next 30 years. Second, it is intended to spark strategic dialogue around the kind of S&T investments the Army should make to ensure that our Soldiers maintain overmatch in future operations.

This 2016 version of the S&T Strategic Trends report synthesizes 32 S&T forecasts that have been published over the past five years by government agencies in the U.S. and abroad, industry leaders, international institutions, and think tanks. The objective was to identify trends that are most likely to generate revolutionary or disruptive change of interest to the Army over the next 30 years. By consolidating multiple trend analyses into a single reference document, this reportaims to provide a ready reference for Army leadership as it considers the important role S&T will play in shaping the future of our Army.